Chasing Her Discarded Ex-husband

STALKER!

ABEL BLACKWOOD'S POV

"Vanessa freakin' sterling asked you to work for her and you said no?! Why'd you turn that down? Are you out of your mind?" Wesley screams at me as we enter the gym.

He wouldn't stop bugging me about who our boss took me to meet in the VIP section yesterday. He pressed so much that I had no choice but to give him a name.

My heart was just beginning to heal from the pain of betrayal, but then she showed up again and freshened the wounds.

I shrug. "I have my own reasons"

The only reason she is looking for me is because my brother didn't turn out to be what she expected.

"What reason could you possibly have? One of the hottest, rich women in the whole world asks you to model for her brand, but you have reasons What if she also wanted something beyond work? Do you know how many guys would kill for that opportunity?" he literally chastises.

"You would have preferred I lay it down for her because she is rich and hot?" I ask, disgusted.

"Well, yeah!" Wesley says. "I definitely would have."

"Well, you should know me better than that." I mutter, walking away from him not wanting to continue with that conversation.

I carry my bag to the farthest corner where I start practicing kickboxing.

At a certain point, it hits me that I am being stared at. I look behind and sure enough, I see a young woman very close, seated on a calf raise machine staring at me. She smiles at me and adjusts her red hair.

I force a smile in general response before looking away. It's not the first time I have caught people staring at me. Not that I mind, unless the person decides to talk.

I am doing a set when the girl comes and stands in front of me, speaking but I don't hear because I am listening to music through my earpuds but the moment I notice her I pull them off and ask her to repeat what she said. She laughs and says, "You are quite beautiful."

I'm taken aback by her direct approach. Her compliment is hilariously awkward and she looks really young. I am often not good at gauging the age of women but the woman in front of me looks nineteen or under. She got makeup on and wears a micro mini volleyball shorts.

"I'm Sophia, a photographer. I was hoping to get a selfie with you last night at the runway afterparty, but you seemed busy. Imagine my surprise to see you here," She smiles warmly.

"I see. Well, it's nice to meet you, Sophia. I'm flattered you recognized me."

Sophia nods enthusiastically. "Of course. You are the talk of the whole fashion industry and social media. Your walk was incredible." She pauses, a hint of shyness creeping into her voice. "Would you mind if we took a quick selfie together?"

I consider her request. On one hand, I am not always particularly fond of taking pictures with strangers but I don't want to make her l feel like crap for taking a chance on me and being brave enough to do it in the first place. "Sure, I suppose a quick selfie wouldn't hurt," I concede, offering her a small smile.

Sophia beams, quickly pulling out her phone and positioning herself next to me. She snuggles up close, resting her head on my shoulder before snapping two perfect selfies.

" Wow! you look like a greek God. " She exclaims examining the selfies, before tucking her phone back into her pocket. "I really appreciate it. And hey, if you ever want to hang out after the gym, let me know. I'd love to." She winks.

I don't think she can get much clearer about her intentions. "I'll keep that in mind."

"Okay, see you around!" she says finally starting to walk away while still looking at me. She stumbles slightly but quickly regains her balance, waving enthusiastically.

I think it's time to change gym time again.

I hear my phone buzz in my bag and dig it out. I unlock and check the screen to find a message from Aubrey.

"I have something important to discuss with you. Meet me tonight at 7pm for dinner at the City State Hotel. I'll send you something nice to Wear." The text reads.

I furrow my brow, why would she want to discuss something in person over dinner when she can easily just text me whatever she needs to say.

Or maybe she wants to discuss how my negotiation with Vanessa went. I still haven't figured out how to explain that I turned down the job without revealing that Vanessa is my ex-wife. I hope I can come up with a better excuse before 7pm.

VANESSA STERLING'S POV

Name : Abel Blackwood

Address : 123 Black street, Apartment 7, vp

Phone Number : *****

Relationship Status : None Indicated

Friend : William, also a model, often seen together at events

I pore over the executive summary of Abel's background check for the hundredth time since I received it hours ago from a private detective I had hired. I'm looking for some insight into my ex-husbands life.

This background check has produced nothing remarkable, except the last fact which has been at the forefront of my mind. No relationship since we divorced! I'm impressed but I fear I broke his poor little heart way too much.

When we met yesterday, he was just as physically appealing as I remember but he wasn't as sweet and kind as my Abel. He was tenacious, but I believe that's all because I kicked him out in the worst way possible in this unforgiving world and he had to adapt.

I’m not happy that I’m now behaving like a stalker but I need to think of the best ways to win my ex-husband's heart back. Maybe I should send him gifts to impress him. What do men like anyway?

In our three-year marriage, I never once bought Abel a single present despite my wealth. He also never asked for any. I had paid for every one of Cyrus lavish lifestyles. I now wish it was Abel that I had given all that.

The door to my office suddenly opens and Amanda walks in, clutching a stack of what I believe to be the latest sales reports. From her distressed expression I pick up that she's not bringing me any good news.

"How bad is it." I ask as she lays the papers down on my desk.

"It’s bad, really bad. The courts have started the hearing of Cyrus lawsuits and the press is all over it, they are painting us in a terrible light and also Gold Dawn Hotel is reconsidering the tender they gave us. They might shift it to another brand behind our back!"

The hotel wanted uniforms for their staff and decor. "I’ll reach out to their manager and I'm still working on getting the model we talked about on board! Don't let all this ruin your day." I encourage even when even though I know convincing Abel to work for me will be an uphill battle.

Amanda nods reluctantly and turns to leave, but pauses at the door, " You might also want to take a look at your social media."

I raise an eyebrow, "What’s happening on social media?"

She hesitates, her expression crunched with concern. "Just… check."

I pick up my phone and unlock it once she leaves. The moment I do, a flood of notifications greets me, congratulatory messages, emojis, and a few cryptic texts from friends and colleagues.

I open my social media apps and my jaws immediately clench in rage as several pictures that appears to be from my honeymoon with Cyrus three years ago flood my screen. The caption read: "Living my best life with my beautiful bride! #HoneymoonVibes."

We had agreed that we wouldn’t share those relationship moments on social media, wanting to keep our relationship private and shielded from the public eye.

It's angering that even after I kicked him out, he still claims to be my husband. I wonder what Abel will think and feel after seeing this. Maybe I should kill the mothefucker and shut him up forever since he's seriously beginning to piss me off.